The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Bruce Donald Jaques (NSN: 0-116202), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy forces as the Pilot of a single-seater carrier-based fighter plane based on board U.S.S. CABOT (CVL-28). On 10 October 1944, in the vicinity of Okinawa Shima, he led a four plane division on Combat Air Patrol. Upon direction from his home base he intercepted an enemy twin-engine bomber and without hesitation destroyed it in one run. He sighted another enemy bomber a few minutes later and likewise dispatched it with one accurate firing pass. His prompt action and skillful marksmanship undoubtedly prevented the disclosure of the location of his own task group to the enemy and were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Fighting SquadronDivision:
U.S.S. Cabot (CVL-28)Action Date:
October 14, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Bruce Donald Jaques (NSN: 0-116202), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy forces as the Pilot of a single-seater carrier-based fighter plane based on board U.S.S. CABOT (CVL-28). On 14 October 1944, in the vicinity of Formosa he was leading a four plane division on emergency Combat Air Patrol. Upon direction from his home base he intercepted a group of about seventy enemy aircraft which was retiring toward its base. In spite of intensive fighter plane opposition he pressed home numerous attacks and was able to destroy two enemy planes, while his division accounted for a total of three destroyed and five damaged. His cool leadership, aggressiveness and extraordinary courage enabled his division to successfully inflict damage upon the enemy and were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
EnsignBatallion:
Escort Fighting Squadron 29Division:
U.S.S. Santee (CVE-29)Action Date:
November 8 – 11, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Ensign Bruce Donald Jaques (NSN: 0-116202), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as pilot of an airplane in Escort Fighting Squadron TWENTY-NINE, attached to the U.S.S. SANTEE (CVE-29), during the occupation of French Morocco, 8 – 11 November 1942. With bold determination and utter disregard for his own personal safety, Ensign Jaques pressed home a vigorous attack with resulted in the destruction of a hostile bomber. Later, with superb flying skill, he neutralized an enemy gun position and destroyed three planes on the ground. His aggressive devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.